Unexpected Return to school
It was great to hear the news on Monday that students would be allowed back on site the next day. This was completely unexpected but a very welcome announcement.While we know that we can do Remote and Flexible Learning, and that staff and most students adapt very well, there is no substitute for face-to-face teaching in the classroom. We spoke to all students on Monday morning to outline the expectations of behaviour, hand sanitising and wearing face masks, knowing that each lockdown does cause a disruption to routines.
Welcome to the Newest Knight
It was wonderful to hear the news that Banjo Robert Knight was born last Friday afternoon. Both Banjo and Brylea are doing well, and Beau and Barlow are doing OK as well. Congratulations from us all!
Year 10 into 11 Information Evening
Due to the change in lockdown status, we were able to conduct the Year 10 into Year 11 Information Session at the College on Wednesday evening and enable social distancing for all participants. The information session aims to outline all of the options available to students and then sets them up for their one-on-one subject selection/course counselling meetings. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings with their child.
Year 10-11 Snow Camp
Well, wasn’t it wonderful that after missing out last year, our students were able to get up to the snow and have a good couple of days skiing! In the end, they only missed out on a couple of hours of skiing time on the Friday morning once the lockdown had been called. Reports from the students and staff have been positive, with all students being challenged and willing to help and encourage each other. Special mention to Phoebe Hendy, as our most experienced skier for her willingness to help and ‘coach’ other students. I would like to thank Mr. Marland, Miss. Griffith and particularly Mrs. Jackson for her work in organising the camp and her cool head when the lockdown was called. It is very reassuring to know that our children are in the hands of very capable people.
Joint School Council Meeting
Next Tuesday, 17 August, the School Councils from the Primary School and Secondary College will be holding a joint meeting. Due to the circumstances, we were not able to do this last year, but it is something that we like to be able to do. The night will involve each Council holding a brief meeting separately before coming together over some food to discuss any joint issues or possibilities.
Year 9-10 Camp
Earlier this week we made the difficult decision to cancel/postpone the Year 9-10 Camp to Melbourne. In the end it has turned out to be a good decision with the announcement that Melbourne is continuing their lockdown for another 7 days. We will look at possibly re-scheduling this camp later in the year if there is some improvement in the pandemic situation.
Parent Opinion Survey
It is that time of year again when we, and the Department, seek feedback from parents in the annual Parent Opinion Survey. Approximately 30 randomly selected families will have received an invitation to participate in the survey. We ask that you spend the 10 to 15 minutes completing the survey to provide us with data about what we are doing well and areas for improvement. If you receive an invitation and do not believe that you can or will complete the survey, please contact the General Office so another family can be allocated.
Face Masks
A reminder to all families that children over the age of 12 should not be leaving home without a face mask. Face Masks are required when travelling to and from, as well as whilst at school, so there is no reason (apart from medical exemptions) for students not to be wearing a mask. Currently we have a number of students who are required to be supplied with a fresh mask each morning.
We know that we would all probably prefer to not wear a face mask – but we all need to realise we have a part to play in keeping this pandemic at bay. I would much prefer to wear a face mask, than be put back into lockdown.
Tony Hand
Principal
Day 1:
After a normal wake up (that was too early for some people) we packed the trailer and the Tarago. Most of the space was taken up by Miss. Gee’s bags.
We departed from the school at 8:00 am and headed to Bendigo. We had a quick toilet stop here and then continued the journey. Mr. Marland decided to take a short-cut that turned into a long cut (oops). We got to have a look at the painted silos in Rushworth though. After Mr. Marland nearly sideswiping the Tarago with the bus, we made our way to Euroa to pick up Phoebe. Her family very kindly provided the teachers with a hot beverage. We continued our way to Mansfield. This part of the trip was quite windy and, between you and I, Mr. Marland drove a little too fast and Mrs. Jackson may have left grip marks on the door. We stopped to have lunch at the Botanical Gardens in Mansfield. The trip from here on was going to be windy so we made sure we all took our sickness tablets. Half way up the mountain, a bus driver by the name of George, picked us up to take us to our final destination. For some people, this was the first time they had ever seen snow! There were some pretty good reactions. George told us his story of how he became a ski instructor and wished us well for our stay.
We unloaded the bus in the snow and headed to our accommodation. Troy and Sam found out that snow was cold and quickly changed out of their shorts and slides. We got an introduction about what to expect for our stay at Mt Buller and met Meagan, who would be helping us for the week.
We then went to the village where we were fitted for our ski-boots, skis, helmets and other snow gear that we needed. We made our way back for a little snack before heading out to play in the snow and get a feel for a ski. Some people fell over more than once, however this was entertaining for the rest of the group. Mr. Marland managed to lose his snow gloves and sent us all into a panic.
Dinner was at the Italian restaurant, where we had spaghetti. We then went back to our accommodation chilled out, played board games, cards and snacked. There were some very tired people, and it was an early night for some.
-Phoebe, Emily and Troy
Day 2:
Day two started with a 7 am wakeup call by Mr. Marland and his speaker. This was followed by breakfast in the lodge. Once everyone was awake and ready to go, we headed out to the slopes for our first lesson. Half of us went with Pete and the other half with Dylan. We spent the next hour and a half learning the basics of skiing, such as how to stop, how to get uphill and what snow ploughing was. After that, we headed to the café for a quick lunch before some of us headed back up the mountain to continue skiing. Phoebe and Russell led the way on some different runs. The people who didn’t come skiing stayed close to the village and tobogganed around. After many stacks and a few minor injuries, the group of skiers came back to the village ready for a nap and something to eat. After a bit of down time and some Kahoot quizzes, our tea arrived. We had pizza from the same place we went for tea the night before. We then headed for a walk to explore the village at nighttime. After we returned, we sat around, snacked and watched some TV before heading to dinner.
-Izzy
Day 3:This final day started like a normal day. We woke up a little later though, because we didn’t have our lesson until 11.30. Everyone got up and most were greeted with a bowl of porridge from Mr. Marland.
Berrie came down and everyone said happy birthday to her. After breakfast, Mr. Marland took a small group out early and got them going. The rest of us stayed in the lodge for a little longer. After getting ready, the gang headed out for a big day on the slopes with a lesson to begin. We got on the ski lift and had a few runs before the lesson started. When the lesson began, we were split into two groups: confident and less confident. The confident ones went down the intermediate runs and the others stayed and built on their skills. Then lunch came around at 1.00. We had a salad roll in Turkish bread, along with a chomp and a bottle of water. After everyone finished lunch, small groups went out and spent the rest of the day skiing. One group went down harder slopes with Mr. Marland. Another group went tobogganing and a third group with Mrs. Jackson and Miss. G who went down the family run with some others. At around 4pm, we got the call that we were going into a 7-day lockdown. Everyone was devastated. We finished the day with a dinner of fish and chips and a walk around outside before coming back to the lodge to sing happy birthday to Berrie over her cake made by Skye and Josie. We then watched the men’s hockey team play for gold. We also had our very own movie night watching the Australian drama - The Dry. Thanks to Mr. Marland, Miss. G and Mrs. Jackson for taking us to the snow and for all the advice and encouragement.
Keegan and Rogan.
Jesse – I enjoyed snow camp because I had never seen snow before. I also really enjoyed skiing for the first time. It was really good how all of us bonded really well and helped everyone over our time at Buller.
Jonty Arbuckle- I loved the snow camp *lies I liked waking up early to the noise of Wandel going to have a shower at 5am *lies. Nah, I loved it. Thanks for taking me Russ, Miss. G and Mrs. Jackson.
Deon- I liked it when we went on the chair lifts. And I loved it when Giff woke up every 20 minutes to drink 3 litres of water.
Ronan- I liked skiing, and getting better when I thought I’d never get the hang of it. Ella D – At first, I hated skiing, but after practicing I got better and enjoyed it.
Izzy: My favourite part of our time at snow camp was definitely starting to feel more confident and taking on the harder runs without stacking.
Morgan – My favourite part of snow camp was going tobogganing and going on the ski lift.
Rogan- My favourite part of snow camp was going down the very steep mountains, they were very tricky to handle and challenged me. I also liked going on the very relaxing but scary ski lift.
Keegan- My favourite part of our time was not stacking when going down the different runs and getting more confident and able to go faster.
Ryan- I am very thankful for all the entertainment provided by all the teachers and also mostly Giff when they were crashing. I am very thankful for this amazing camp, and I loved skiing, especially when I got to just send it down the mountain as fast as possible and not crash.
Josie – I enjoyed freezing honey in the snow and spending time with my friends <3Berrie – I had a lot of fun trying new skiing tracks and looking out at the views of the mountain, on my birthday!
Skye – My favourite part of snow camp was the cold and the snow because I could not skillfully ski. Ella – Going “vvvt” down the mountain.
Emily- Fell, skied, fell again, lost phone, met some puppies, found my phone (credit to Melissa Esmore). Please note these were not the highlights of the camp
Troy- skiing, tobogganing, falling on my buttocks and face, and the donuts were amazing.
Phoebe- I enjoyed being able to have a laugh with other people when they had a stack. I can definitely say there was some funny highlights. I really enjoyed being able to share my experiences with people.
Will- I really enjoyed the snow camp. My favourite part was actually being able to ski the better slopes and going through the mountains.
Sam- I enjoyed the snow camp. My favourite part was falling off on the slopes and then Mr Marland trying to help me up then he fell over too.
Giffo- I enjoyed the camp. My favourite part was hanging out with everyone and skiing.
The Yield, by Tara June Winch
******
Just her second novel, The Yield by Tara June Winch, was the winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin Award, Australia’s most prestigious literary prize. Her first novel, Swallow the Air, also won several literary awards and her collection of short stories, After the Carnage, was also published to critical acclaim. In 2008 she was mentored by Nobel Prize winning author, Wole Soyinka, as part of the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
The Yield tells the story of a young indigenous woman – August Gondiwindi – who returns from London to her home in Massacre Plains upon the death of her grandfather – Albert ‘Poppy’ Gondiwindi – who raised her. Their home is about to be bulldozed to make way for a new tin mine which will bring economic benefits to the community, but continue the destruction of the local indigenous community. Upon her return, August is haunted by the traumas of her past and seeks to uncover the truth of her family history, both recent and ancient.
The book is told through the interwoven narratives of three characters: August’s own perspective upon returning home, historical letters from a missionary named Ferdinand Greenleaf in 1915, and writings for an indigenous dictionary by Albert ‘Poppy’ Gondiwindi before his death. Each voice is unique and portray complex and engaging characters. The relationship between these three different perspectives provides a complex history not just for the Gondiwindi family, but also for the relationship between white Australia and her native peoples.
The language of The Yield is both accessible and intricate, featuring beautiful imagery, authentic dialogue and recognisable features of Australian culture. The structure is interesting, unravelling secrets of the past that are often painful but important to confront in order to develop a deep and authentic sense of Australian identity.
The Yield has been widely lauded, receiving a number of important awards. Aside from the 2020 Miles Franklin Award, the book also won The Australian Bookseller’s Choice Fiction Book (2020), The Voss Literary Prize (2020), the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Fiction (2020), and the Book of the Year, People’s Choice and Christina Stead Prize for Fiction, NSW Premier’s Literary Award (2020). It was also shortlisted for The Stella Prize (2020), Barbara Jefferis Award (2020), Queensland Literary Award for Fiction (2020), Victorian Premier’s Literary Prize (2020) and the ABIA Awards for Literary Fiction Book of the Year, Audiobook of the Year (2020).
Written for a mature and adult-level audience, The Yield is an important piece of modern Australian literature, connected to both ancient and contemporary issues that still persist today. Tara June Winch’s second novel is highly recommended, particularly for an Australian audience.
Dr. Calvin Taylor
Year 9 & 10 Melbourne Camp - CANCELLED.
Bendigo Art Gallery Excursion 18th August - Forms due NOW!
North West Zone Shoot, 19th August - Forms & $10 due NOW!
Notebook Program – Final payment due now
Food Technology Fee - due now
Helping families get their kids active
Eligible families can now apply for a voucher that helps subsidise organised sport and recreation activities
Does your child love sport and being active? Does your family have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card? You may be eligible for up to $200 to put towards the cost of your child’s participation in physical activities. The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities.
Under the program, children may be eligible to receive up to $200 to help with the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms, and equipment.
Special consideration also applies for children named on their own Australian Government Health Care Card or residing in care services as well as temporary or provisional visa holders, undocumented migrants or international students. Applications for vouchers in round two of the program close at 5pm Friday 30 July. For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the Get Active Victoria website - https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund applications
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. Applications for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) close on Friday 13 August.
If you have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. The concession card must have been valid on either of the following dates:
Payment amounts this year are $225 for eligible secondary school students. Payments are made direct to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions and sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
If you would like to apply for the first time, please contact the school office on 5495 1811 and ask for an application form.
Business Manager – Kerrie Swanton
Student Administrator – Debbie Hancock
Office Hours: 8.30 am – 4.30pm
Phone 03 5495 1811
Email: st.arnaud.sc@education.vic.gov.au
ICYMI! Tickets for our 2021 All-Ages Tour are now on sale through Moshtix 🎫
Don’t wait to grab your tickets – these shows are going to sell out fast with super limited capacities! Now’s your chance to see some of Australia’s best artists perform all-ages shows across Victoria this September and October.
Head to linktr.ee/thepushinc to buy tickets and find out more details.